Hurricanes are one of the most destructive natural disasters in the world. That is why Houston, Texas has been planning to construct a metal structure with a glass like material to create a dome around the city to protect its valuable buildings and citizens.

The Houston Dome Project was proposed to protect the city from category five hurricanes and winds of up to 180 mph. Houston was shut down for nearly a week from last years hurricane. It caused up to 10 billion dollars in damage to the city.

“I think that’s over kill. A dome? But if that’s what they think they have to do to protect their city and people, then go for it. We don’t have to live there,” commented English teacher, Mike Sabins.

The Houston Dome will stretch over 21 million square feet, making it the largest structure with a roof in the world. The dome’s panels will be 15 feet across, with over 147,000 to cover the city of Houston. The panels though could not be glass or pexiglass though, because those materials would be way too heavy.

Instead, a German material from the city Bremen will be used called Vector Foiltec. This material regulates the climate temperature and will allow a whole city to be covered by a dome. The material is made out 1% of glass and described as 99% of nothing.

“If the dome was made of glass, it would practically magnify everyone and create intense heat, like a magnify glass,” added Sabins.

The Houston Dome Project also has many negative affects such as lightning and rain. No one like rain during their day in the big city, but rain also cleans and washes the streets and windows of buildings. If lightning struck the dome, it could electrocute the metal structure holding up the glass like material and bend or ruin the structure.

“I don’t think the dome would be a good idea. It’s not really logical. They’re going to put tons of money into a dome that’ll protect the city from damage, but lightning could possibly ruin the whole structure,” commented junior, Codey Hancock.

Smog would also be another problem. In an open city, the smog blows away, but in a city covered with a dome there would be no air ventilation. Toxins and fire would release many fumes, smoke, and chemicals that are bad for the air quality and would be kept underneath the dome.

“Wouldn’t it make people sick though, with all the smog and fires without any ventilation?” Hancock questioned.

Many people living in the city of Houston or even just traveling to the city object to living in an artificial dome, but many are embracing it for the fact that it will protect the city. The dome is not yet official, but it has been proposed.